team members

“We apologize- your approximate wait time is 11 minutes.”

If I’m lucky, they will offer to return the call … in 11 minutes or more… but I won’t lose my place in line! Yeah, right… how do I know that and where is this line? I’m a strange person that loves to stand in line!

Anytime I see a line of people, I simply get in the longest one and start talking! It’s a great place to meet people and learn how their world is different from mine. Sometimes I find a person I can help, if they are open to it. Sometimes they need to know what I have learned, but they just don’t know it yet. Always, I learn from them. It’s a matter of listening. line

So, how can I stand in line for 11 minutes while I’m on the phone… waiting for the approximate moment someone will answer? Let me check on my online friends… who is standing in line with me today?

WORK WHILE YOU WAIT PROCESS:

Send a PM to Billie… “Wanna do lunch? I have something new to share!”

Applying fragrance alone makes waiting better! When I’m in an actual line of fellow humans, a soft fragrance always evokes curiosity! If I need to talk business, maybe a conversation will begin.

LOVE a Facebook post of Zanders then follow up later today with a call. “Got time to visit?”

TEXT a great story to a follower in the northeast. Her son has his first date tonight! Hope it goes well.

EMAIL Polly about her new outfit. What a snazzy design! I wonder what she’s up to these days.

POST Birthday wishes to everyone…. There! Done!

There, I made swift work of keeping in touch while I waited for my turn in line.

Oops… 10 minutes… gotta get my thoughts back around the person waiting to give me news. (I gave her some pointers and I’m waiting to hear about her success). I’ve worked my way near the front of the line, I trust! I wonder what I will learn about the personality on the other end of the line?

For the last several years, I’ve been completely enthralled with my Avon adventure! The people with whom I worked were completely fun and supportive and I enjoyed the semi-competitiveness of the nature of our work. Those dedicated representatives in the various districts, for which I had responsibility, are as varied as there are representatives.

Each is different… each has a different agenda… each achieves it in her own way and each provides a tribute to her heritage and her indomitable, entrepreneurial spirit.

I’ve given up a lot since taking it on. Not because anyone said I had to, but because the job was extraordinarily fascinating and empowering and exciting and joyful and really made me feel needed and wanted and important and successful – ah, there it is… SUCCESSFUL!

I have met and now enjoy knowing the most incredible group of women.

They come from all walks of life, and as you may expect, bring with them their own little quirks and joys. I’ve met those from other countries, other socio-economic backgrounds and different belief systems. Their music, their food, their values – more than entertaining and enlightening, They, above all else, have made my time with Avon meaningful.

All things must change, I hear. Avon became New Avon, with new values and ways of working. They finally pulled the trigger on the tough decision of eliminating the balance of my position with the company. I’m sure someone had empathy with us, but I didn’t see it anywhere. That’s NEW Avon. Heartfelt sentiments would be the old Avon.

The good thing… a new adventure begins soon. As with every job opportunity, I’m taking with me a new set of skills. Taking a look at our place in this world at this time… Ronnie and I have agreed it’s really time for us to take time for ourselves. Another new challenge awaits as I figure out how NOT to work for anyone else. Think I can do it?

My first job was at the ripe old age of 15 and I earned $1.00 per hour. Since that time, I’ve worked with the exception of maternity leave for a few months with each child. Amazing how time flies!

So, as I look back at all the people I’ve met, the children I’ve watched grow, the changes in the world around me and the exceptional working women I’ve known… it’s been a great run.

I loved working for the global Avon. As with any large ship, it takes a long time to make it turn around in the ocean of Direct Selling Companies. I wish I had been there earlier to enjoy the calm seas.

I have to say thanks to Avon for yet another milestone in my life… the opportunity to stop and acknowledge a successful working history and the return to something new and fun. Now my goals will be mine alone- what a change. It was inevitable.